Top 10 Tips & Checklist to Make Filing a Claim Less Stressful

Filing an insurance claim can feel very stressful, but it really doesn’t have to.  A little preparation now saves time, worry, and headaches later on. Think of it as giving your future self the “gift of calm.”  If something happens, you’ll be ready to roll without having to overthink the situation!

Here are some straightforward, practical steps to get your home and auto records in order. We’ve also included some valuable tips and a quick-reference checklist to make filing a claim easier:

1. Create a Photo & Video Inventory:
Walk through each room (and around your property) with your phone and take clear photos or short videos of:

• Every room, focusing on major items and valuables.
• Close-ups of serial numbers, model tags, receipts, and appliance panels.
• Exterior shots of your home, garage, fences, and landscaping.
• Your vehicle’s VIN, odometer reading, and key areas (dash, tires, engine bay).

NOTE: It’s a good idea to store the date-stamped files in a labeled folder. This visual record is invaluable after loss or damage.

2. Keep Receipts and Records (Digitally and Physically):
Scan or photograph purchase receipts, appraisal documents and warranties for big-ticket items (furniture, electronics, jewelry).
Save copies:

• On the cloud (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox) and
• On an external drive or printed binder stored in a safe place (or with a trusted family member).

PRO TIP!  Name your files in an easy-to-identify format. Example: A file name like, “2025-06-TV-Sony-X90-receipt.pdf” makes it easier to search.

3. Make an Itemized Home Inventory:
List major possessions with short descriptions, purchase dates, approximate values, and serial numbers when available. A simple spreadsheet works great. Update it after new purchases, renovations, or gifts.

4. Keep Vehicle Records Up to Date:
Save maintenance and repair receipts, photos after accidents, and any auto accessory receipts (new tires, stereo systems). That history helps substantiate claims and may support diminished-value or repair disputes.

5. Know Your Policy AND Your Deductibles (Review your coverage details annually):

• What perils are covered?
• Do you have replacement-cost or actual-cash-value on belongings?
• What’s your deductible for home and auto claims?

Understanding these details guides decisions (e.g., whether to file a small claim or pay out-of-pocket) and avoids surprises.

6. Create an Emergency Contact & Claims Folder:
Have one place (digital and/or printed) with:

• Your insurance company’s claims phone number and your policy number.
• Your agent/broker’s contact info.
• A short checklist of steps to take right after an incident (safety first, then document, then call).

7. Protect Important Documents Offsite:
Keep a copy of IDs, home title, mortgage statements, and insurance policies somewhere secure away from the home — a safe deposit box, trusted family member, or secure cloud folder.

8. Take Preventive Steps That Matter:
Small investments reduce future damage and speed claims:

• Install smoke & CO detectors and keep them maintained.
• Use water-leak sensors near water heaters and washers.
• Keep vegetation trimmed and gutters clean to reduce storm damage risk.
• Keep a basic car emergency kit and document it (photos + list).

9. Photograph Damage Immediately, Then Save Everything:
If damage happens:

• First, Prioritize safety.
• Second, Photograph everything right away (wide shots and close-ups).
• Third, Keep damaged items (don’t throw them away until an adjuster reviews, unless unsafe).
• Fourth, Get temporary repairs documented with receipts.

10. Ask Us for a Policy Review. We’ll Help You Match Coverage to Life:
Life changes — remodels, new electronics, a teenage driver — can change your coverage needs. An annual (or life-event) policy review with your broker makes sure you’re not underinsured — and sometimes uncovers discounts you didn’t know you had.

Quick-Reference Checklist:

• Take room-by-room photos along with exterior shots.
• Scan receipts & manuals to the cloud.
• Make/update home inventory spreadsheet.
• Save vehicle maintenance records & VIN photo.
• Confirm policy limits & deductible.
• Store critical docs offsite (digital or physical).
• Assemble emergency claim folder (policy + contacts).
• Install and test safety devices (smoke, leak sensors, etc).

Being prepared isn’t about “predicting doom” or expecting the worst. It’s about choosing calm through preparation. These small, practical steps turn a scary moment into manageable, organized steps. If you have questions about filing claims or how to prepare, contact us for assistance. We are always happy to help.